Focus on
Published in February 2008
NAMIBIA

Top Quality Condoms: Made in Namibia

Sabina and David Maritz run a tight ship at their "Commodity Exchange" condom factory. The condoms produced there are so reliable the health ministry procures them for distribution as part of the national health strategy.

The condoms are made from imported latex from Malaysia. The rubber is transformed into the "Smile" brand, designed in house and lubricated and packaged by the factory workers. To ensure condoms meet rigorous international standards, they are stretched, expanded, heated in ovens to simulate aging and then independently verified.  At no time have they failed quality control tests.

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Visit the condomfactory

They are the only textured condoms produced in the region and come in three packs rather than the standard boxes of 100 or more. Even the foil used to wrap the product is of higher quality than for ordinary condoms and can withstand higher temperatures, suitable for the extreme weather conditions experienced in parts of the country.

The Ministry of Health buys the condoms at cost price, which includes the machinery replacement cost so the factory is sustainable.  Funding from the Global Fund has covered the costs of material and condom making since 2004. Due to an increase in demand, additional machinery and testing equipment is enabling Commodity Exchange to increase production during 2008.

Sabina Maritz and her husband John run the condomfactory.